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Mechanical Engineer, Propellant Generation (Starship)

Cape Canaveral, FL
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, PROPELLANT GENERATION (STARSHIP)
As a member of the Starship Launch Engineering team, you will focus on the mechanical design and field support for propellant generation systems that enable rapid, high-volume production of liquid oxygen and methane. You will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, install, and activate air separation plants (ASUs), liquefaction equipment, and gas turbine-based power generation infrastructure required to support Starship orbital launch capability. This position is based at Cape Canaveral, FL.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead mechanical design for air separation plants, liquefaction systems, and gas turbine power generation plants
  • Design and analyze mechanical systems for launch pads, recovery, and production tooling
  • Demonstrate complete end to end project ownership, coordinate the build, testing and activation of the hardware you design
  • Work closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure the products we deliver meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations
  • Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations
  • Present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional experience using NX, CATIA, Creo, or Solidworks design software package or ANSYS, ABAQUS, or FEMAP software (internship and project experience applies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 1+ years of experience in a professional setting designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering
  • Project management experience in the aerospace, industrial, or power generation industry
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated application of GD&T
  • Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
  • Passion for hands-on work when needed to enable project completion
  • Skilled in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, parts lists, and specification
  • Proactive, self-starter attitude and ability to lead projects throughout their entirety

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
  • Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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